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The excitement surrounds alginate, a gel found in seaweed that is already used in small amounts to thicken ice cream, yoghurt and toothpaste. Some companies also use it to make the head on beer last longer.

Now the Newcastle University research suggests it could also help halt the rising tide of obesity. Tests showed it stopped up to three-quarters of the fat in food being digested into pieces small enough to be absorbed by the body. Researcher Dr Matthew Wilcox said: ‘Normally, between 95 and 100 per cent of all the food eaten is broken down and absorbed.

‘If you don’t absorb as much fat, then hopefully you can lose weight.’

Scientists found that alginate powder was better at blocking fat than many weight loss supplements as it stops fat being broken down and absorbed by the body

The research team was also able to identify which types of alginate are most effective.

Now they are in talks with several major food companies to make alginate-supplemented products. More testing is needed but the first products could be on supermarket shelves next year.